WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Award-winning journalist Jeff Birchfield has been named director of public relations for IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRGSE), the company announced today. Birchfield joins IRGSE from the Johnson City (Tenn.) Press.

Birchfield will lead the public relations efforts for IRGSE-owned properties including the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), Palm Beach Driving Club, Palm Beach International Raceway, Memphis International Raceway, Maryland International Raceway and Cordova International Raceway. Located at IRGSE’s West Palm Beach, Fla., headquarters, Birchfield will report to IRGSE chief revenue officer Shawn Hackman.

“Jeff’s award-winning sports-writing experience and understanding of the Motorsports industry will be a tremendous asset to our IRGSE team,” Hackman said. “His passion for Motorsports and the importance he places on relationship building will be well received by the industry and members of the media.”

Birchfield brings with him 20 years of journalism experience having worked at the Johnson City Press and the Elizabethton Star. He also has a background in customer service and has done freelance work for a variety of outlets including multiple Motorsports publications and the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. During his time at the Johnson City Press, he was a two-time winner of the prestigious Tennessee Press Association’s sports-writing award. Among his additional accolades, he was recognized by Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway for outstanding media coverage. Birchfield is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA).

“I am honored to join the IRGSE team in what promises to be an exciting time for the IHRA and the IRGSE properties,” Birchfield said. “I look forward to working with all of them to serve the media, promoters, racers, fans, sponsors and others involved in the sport.”

Birchfield, a native of Burnsville, N.C., attended East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and served nine years in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He will relocate to south Florida at the end of February.

IRG Sports + Entertainment™ (IRGSE), a TPG Specialty Lending company, is a leading marketer and promoter of sports and live entertainment experiences in the United States, Canada, Bahama's, New Zealand and Australia. The Company owns and operates four motorsports facilities: Palm Beach International Raceway™ (PBIR), Memphis International Raceway™ (MIR), Maryland International Raceway™ (MDIR) and Cordova International Raceway™ (CIR); as well as the International Hot Rod Association™ (IHRA) and the International Drag Bike League™ (IDBL). IRGSE properties promote more than 1,150 motorsports, live entertainment and corporate events annually at its venues and within its series. For more information, please visit www.irgse.com, follow @IRGSports on Twitter and LinkedIn.